MINUTES HOUSING COORDINATION AND POLICY FORUM - Boise
January 12, 2005

Deanna Watson Boise City Ada County Housing
Mike Wilson Boise City Ada County Housing
Ken Nichols Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity
Fran Symms Congress Mike SimpsonÕs Office
Jim Adams Congressman Butch OtterÕs Office
Connie Hogland Department of Housing and Urban Development
Jeremy Pisca Evans Keane, LLP
Craige Naylor Fannie Mae
Janet Mollerup FirstBank NW
Connie Hogland HUD
Brian Dale HUD
Jerry Royster HUD
Gerald Hunter Idaho Housing and Finance Association
Marianne Bafaro Idaho Housing and Finance Association
Lori Benfiet Idaho Housing and Finance Association
Erik Kingston Idaho Housing and Finance Association
Steve Rector Idaho Housing and Finance Association
Paul Pusey Idaho Manufactured Housing Association
Terrie Olvera Idaho Migrant Council
Sandy Thomsen Mercy Housing
Lori Mann NatÕl City Mortgage/Idaho Mortgage Lenders Association
Angela Sisco Rural Community Assistance Corp.
Melanie Curtis Supportive Housing and Innovative Partnerships
John Greene Supportive Housing and Innovative Partnerships
Laura Shaffer The Housing Company
LaDonn McElligott USDA Rural Development
Jane Pavek Wells Fargo Bank

CALL TO ORDER:

Gerald Hunter thanked everyone for coming and called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.

HOUSING LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:

Jeremy Pisca from Evans Keene, LLP noted that Idaho is the only Northwest state without contractor registration or licensing. He discussed the contractor registration legislation he drafted, highlighted requirements for contractors to become registered and requested support. He encouraged attendees to contact their legislators urging support for the contractorsÕ registration bill and to contact him at jpisca@evanskeane.com or 208 384 1800 if they have any questions. He will be putting together an e-mail list of individuals and groups who are supporting the bill.

Paul Pusey advised that the Idaho Manufactured Housing Association supports the contractor registration legislation. He noted that the licensing for HVAC contractors passed during the last session and they are now working on requirement definitions.

Steve Rector mentioned work being done on potential legislation covering Section 42 property tax evaluations which he expects will be brought forward during the 2006 legislative session.

Gerald Hunter discussed IHFAÕs role as the issuer of GARVEE Bonds on behalf of the State Department of Transportation should the program be approved.

SPECIAL HOUSING PROBLEMS, ISSUES OR CONCERNS:

Connie Hogland advised that in response to the growth and lack of affordable housing affecting Valley County, the Idaho Department of Commerce formed the Valley County Growth Management Task Force consisting of 3 committees Ð housing; land use-planning-transportation-infrastructure; and community participation. The housing committee will visit Valley County in February or March to conduct town meetings and interviews.

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION:

Lori Mann mentioned they are awaiting funding for the loan originator bill that past last session.

Craige Naylor discussed Fannie MaeÕs Keeping Families in Homes initiative and upcoming workshops for housing counselors.

Terry Olvera advised attendees that the Idaho Migrant Council is now housing-counseling certified.

Jane Pavek announced that the Finally Home!¨ Program received over $170,000 in HUD funding, is developing a new textbook and is working towards an online course.

Paul Pusey advised that they are hoping to offer a continuing education class for manufactured housing appraisers in late Spring or early Summer.

Deanna Watson discussed the difficulties in administering special needs housing programs and the importance of groups like this finding out ways to work together to solve these issues.

Mike Wilson introduced himself as Board Chairman for BCACHA and thanked everyone for allowing him to attend and familiarize himself with various housing issues and solutions.

Sandy Thomsen outlined the various self-help projects Mercy Housing is planning throughout the state. She extended an invitation to a golf tournament at Eagle Hills which is now the new home for their regional office. Potential sponsors and players should contact her, Jane Pavek or Craige Naylor.

Jane Pavek advised that Wells Fargo has been awarded $200,000 for self-help projects in Mountain Home, Twin Falls and Carey. She distributed information on free tax preparation being offered by the Coalition for Economic Improvement.

Erik Kingston informed attendees that the HOME Administration Plan is available at www.ihfa.org and that the 2nd round for HOME applications is open through February 11. Also on the website is information the five-year strategic plan for housing and community development public comment period which runs January 14 through February 14.

Brian Dale mentioned that the Rexburg Community Review report will be available soon and the Kuna review will take place in March. He reminded everyone that a forum is being planned during the Fair Housing Month of April.

Lori Benfiet discussed lender/realtor training on the American Dream Down Payment Initiative in February with available funding in March.

LaDonn McElligott noted the NOFAÕs should be out by the end of January with single family funds now available. New regulations on multi-family housing become effective February 24th.

Jerry Royster distributed information on an energy conference planned for February.

Ken Nichols announced the opening of an application period for 8-10 new family homes next year and that their goal is another 40 houses in the next five years. He noted that Lori Mann won $10,000 for her local Habitat for Humanity Affiliate at a recent conference.

Melanie Curtis discussed the Second Chance Reuse Building Materials Center which will open in February at 1423 Grove St. and upcoming detox fundraising events.

Laura Shaffer advised that the Affordable Housing Management Association (AHMA), in conjunction with IHFA, will be co-sponsoring Section 8, HOME and Tax Credit property manager training in January and February through the state.

Gerald Hunter informed the group that he would be working on new dates for these Quarterly Forums in order to avoid conflicts with Realtors, Building Contractors and Mortgage Brokers meeting dates.

Gerald thanked everyone for coming and adjourned the meeting at 12:00 Noon.

The next Housing Coordination and Policy Forum is scheduled for Thursday, April 7, 2005